Autoimmune Encephalopathies Presenting in the ICU

Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is an increasingly recognized cause of encephalitis. Patients with AE often require admission to an intensive care unit (ICU). Early recognition and treatment are critical to improve outcomes. In this chapter, we will outline an approach to the diagnosis of AE in the ICU setting including bedside, serologic, and radiographic testing. We will describe common presentations of antibody-positive cases and discuss seronegative criteria. We will also present management strategies including immunotherapy and complications of AE, such as dysautonomia and seizures. We will finally discuss long-term outcomes and prognosis. Intensivists should be aware of these diseases and trained in the appropriate management of these conditions.